THREE local women were acknowledged for 10 years of service to the Riverland Caring Canine Companions (CCC) community visitors’ scheme recently.
Monash’s Sue Laidler and Kay Richardson, and Berri’s Tracey Wasgind brought CCC to the region a decade ago aiming at bringing “smiles, companionship and laughter” to residents in aged-care homes.
Ms Laidler, a proud owner of two kelpies, said she regularly visited aged-care homes before helping to introduce CCC to the region.
“We (CCC members) love our dogs and more than 10 years ago we met Bonney Lodge’s lifestyle co-ordinator, who suggested we bring our dogs into the nursing home,” she said.
“We started going a couple of times and the residents loved it.
“Someone then suggested we sign up for CCC, which we hadn’t heard of at the time, so we got in touch with the Adelaide branch who helped set us up and it stemmed from there.”
Riverland’s CCC group currently consists of seven owners and nine dogs and Ms Laidler encouraged more locals to join.
Both Ms Laidler and Ms Richardson are instructors at the Riverland Dog Training Club and said they can help owners train new dogs.
“Dogs don’t have to be super-dooper trained because we can help out with that, but dogs must be placid and love people,” Ms Laidler said.
“If your dog suits these requirements, we’d love for you to join us and help put smiles on residents’ faces.”
Ms Laidler said having more members would help expand the club’s services across the region.
“CCC visits Bonney Lodge in Barmera, Riverview Lutheran Rest Home in Loxton, Loxton District Nursing Home and Calvary St Catherine’s Retirement Community in Berri,” Ms Laidler said.
“We hope to soon visit more places, working on next making it to Renmark.”
Ms Laidler said the scheme is “great therapy” for the residents.
“When we bring the dogs in the homes, residents open up, talk to us, talk about their dogs and have a cry,” she said.
“A gentleman we’re been visiting for about three years is becoming a bit forgetful, but every time he sees my dog, Sally, he remembers exactly who she is.
“It’s great for memory, great for exercise, and great for their emotions.
“If they’re happy, we’re happy.”